Political Veteran Given Zoning Seat

NORTH LAUDERDALE -- A 13-year resident of the city has been appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board and promises to help keep up the city`s appearance.

Mitchell Schwartz, 77, was appointed Thursday to a three-year term by the City Council.

``I`m interested in maintaining the appearance of our city, keeping up with modern times and protecting our city,`` Schwartz said.

Schwartz said he was former Mayor Sam Miller`s campaign manager in 1981 and 1983.

A former insurance manager for 38 years, Schwartz came from Philadelphia to retire in North Lauderdale. He has been involved in city politics for the past eight years and recently helped run Council member Jerry Resnick`s successful bid for city office.

The council also appointed Cyndee Elkins and Ed Schultz to the Recreation and Arts Advisory Board.

Elkins and Schultz will work with Parks and Recreation Director Ron Ferris, said City Manager Eric Soroka.

In other business, the council tentatively granted a special building permit to the Kinderworld Preschool Center, which is based in Lauderhill.

S.M. Casora, principal of the school, said he would like to build another preschool at the site of the abandoned Grace Brethren Church, 6002 Kimberly Blvd.

Prior to being abandoned, the church had been cited for several building violations, said Council member Carl Fusco.

``I have no problem with the plans,`` Fusco said. ``I`d like to wait until the existing violations are improved. I`ll vote in favor of the (special exception) contingent on the improvements being made.``

Fusco said he wants the landscaping and the parking lot improved.

``The school would have the opportunity to be the gateway to the city,`` Mayor John Hart told Casora. ``But I don`t want to wait a year until the (the improvements) are performed.``